Fishing sling packs are one of the most versatile fishing packs on the market today.
Their accessibility and streamlined designs have made them very popular with anglers of all types.
We appreciate that you’re angling for the best products and exceptional value for the money.
After extensive (and admittedly quite enjoyable) research, we’ve shortlisted five candidates for the accolade of best sling pack for fly fishing.
Let’s Peek At The Best Fly Fishing Sling Pack, Backed By 23+ Hours Of Research
Orvis Safe Passage Guide
Why is it better?
- More than twice the storage of a standard pack
- Foam-padded, streamlined strap design for all-day comfort
- Tough, water-resistant 410-denier nylon construction
5 Best Fly Fishing Sling Pack
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each sling pack individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
- Orvis Safe Passage Guide
- FishPond Thunderhead Sling Pack
- Fishpond Summit Sling Pack
- Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack
- Umpqua Steamboat Sling Pack
Best Overall: Orvis Safe Passage Guide
The Orvis brand is one of the most popular on the market, and their fly fishing slings have been used by many anglers over the years.
Given the quality of their Safe Passage Guide Sling Pack, it’s not hard to see why it landed our first choice. It has everything most fishing enthusiasts could ever need.
It easily slides from front to back through the use of a single strap, which also allows for air to pass through to prevent you from getting hot and sticky in summer heat. Aside from being comfortable, it has a number of key selling points.
PROS
- More than twice the storage of a standard pack
- Foam-padded, streamlined strap design for all-day comfort
- Tough, water-resistant 410-denier nylon construction
- Waterproof coating on the bottom
- Over-the-right-shoulder design
- Quick-release sternum strap for stability
CONS
- Few customers says that is made cheaply
While all anglers have their unique needs and preferences, most agree that storage is a key feature of any sling pack.
This Orvis sling pack boasts ample storage space (1,391 cubic inches), meaning you can keep everything from fly boxes to your lunch within easy reach at all times.
In truth, you could even fit a rain jacket in the sling pack. The hemostat carrier is an ideal size while the external nipper tool will save time for novices and regulars on the rivers. The water bottle holder is positioned in a handy place and can hold a 1l bottle.
Even when heading out for a full day of fishing, this solution has a great capacity.
While appearances aren’t often the top priority when searching for a fishing sling, it’s never a bad idea to find an item that looks the part.
Aside from carrying the branding of a trustworthy company, the camo appearance is one that will leave you looking great on the riverbanks.
Moreover, the internal areas are brightly colored to provide a clear contrast on the items that you may have lost or misplaced. The days of spending ages looking for a specific fly, fishing item, or Power Bar can be a thing of the past.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Nylon
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 6 in
- Colors: 3
- Capacity: 18L
EXTRA FEATURES
- 4 zippered compartments
- Stretch water bottle holder
- Magnetic hemostat holder with clasp
- Accessory pinning strip
FishPond Thunderhead Sling Pack
- Fully waterproof TIZIP zipper closure on the main compartment, in a...
- Interior organization with one zippered pocket, and one clear stash...
- Exterior Hypalon tabs and reinforced cord loops for tool and accessory...
Our top waterproof solution went to the super popular FishPond Thunderhead Sling. With two basic color schemes on offer (shale and yucca), the first impressions are that it’s a versatile solution that focuses on simplicity.
In truth, those feelings do not fade regardless of how many times you use it.
There is no question that this design has big appeal with guides and anglers who log hundreds of days per year, as well as infrequent fishing enthusiasts that are likely to spend just a few days on the water.
PROS
- Fully waterproof zippered large compartment
- Comfortable, adjustable, easy to swing around
- External water resistant quick access pocket
- Tons of attachment points, d rings and pull loops
- Durable TPU welded fabric
- VELCRO® and Hypalon® attachment points on shoulder strap
CONS
- Low quality materials
Chances are you fall into this category somewhere. And if you need a waterproof sling pack, this is the one to look at.
For the hardcore fly fisher, the three words above describe virtually everything you could ever want from a fly fishing sling pack.
In that sense, the FishPond Thunderhead Sling ticks all of the boxes, starting with a light and compact design that offers enough internal space without being OTT.
This is supported by the use of exterior Hypalon tabs and cord loops that allow you to easily attach items without fear of them falling away.
The use of a fully waterproof material makes it a practical option in all weather conditions while the shoulder strap and zippers are up to the task too. Simplicity is often king.
The fly fishing sling is designed to offer easy access to fly boxes and other features that may be needed in the water.
However, you don’t want the bag to get in the way, which is why the small and lightweight solution is a winner. Moving it from your back to the front or side is easy.
Moreover, when fishing, you can hold it on your back without compromising your natural casting stroke or putting a strain on the shoulder.
Meanwhile, the color is practical for anyone wanting a waterproof sling pack that can also prove useful during hunting season.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: 1680D TPU coated recycled nylon
- Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 7 in
- Colors: 2
- Capacity: 13L/li>
EXTRA FEATURES
- Integrated net slot
- Coated webbing pull tabs for opening the TIZIP
- One set of Fishpond gear straps (included)
- Lightweight foam shoulder strap and backpanel
Fishpond Summit Sling Pack
- Fishpond Summit Sling Pack - Gravel
FishPond was quite late to the fly fishing sling party, having spent many years producing other products for the modern angler.
However, their Summit Sling is undoubtedly one of the best on the market. It’s comfy, durable, and packed with various attachment features.
One of the coolest features of the FishPond Summit Sling is that it is created using an eco-friendly Cyclepond recycled fishing net nylon material. However, the stylish fly fishing sling has so much more to offer.
PROS
- Ultimate comfort and utility
- Made of Cyclepond recycled fishing net nylon material
- Tool attachment features in all the right places
- Drop-down fly/cargo bench with Velcro for fly foam
- Shoulder pad workstation with Velcro and Hypalon
- Flexible TPE lash tabs for rod tubes
CONS
- Not compatible with other Fishpond accessories
The FishPond Summit Sling boasts the winning combination of being big enough to hold the necessary fly fishing gear and tackle (as well as things like sunglasses) while being light enough to swivel from your back to side with ease. The shoulder pad offers great comfort too.
A patented signature molded drop down fly/cargo bench provides the perfect place for holding fly foam attachments while Hypalon and tool attachments can be found in various practical positions.
With four compartments for storage included, fishing the lakes and rivers has never felt simpler.
Despite boasting a right-hand design, it’s suitable size means it can still be used by lefties without too many issues.
There’s nothing worse than buying a product that feels great on the first usage only to become faulty after two or three sessions. FishPond is one of the most reputable brands in the business, and their fishing sling pack boasts the quality you’d expect.
Without being 100% waterproof, it does a good job of keeping your items dry and protected. The use of water resistant zips is of particular note while flexible TPE lash tabs for rod tubes add to the overall function.
In addition to being durable, the greens and oranges used for the color scheme are also very pleasing to the eye.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: Recycled fishing net nylon
- Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 4 in
- Colors: 2
- Capacity: 15L
EXTRA FEATURES
- Coated YKK water-resistant zippers
- Integrated net sleeve on the back panel
- Molded drop-down fly bench with foam holds flies and gear
- Perfect usage size
Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack
- The improved Orvis waterproof sling pack keeps your gear organized,...
- Waterproof and impervious to weather
- Padded and adjustable shoulder strap
Like FishPond, Orvis takes up two places on our shortlist of five fly fishing sling packs. This waterproof solution is one of the most popular items on the market, especially for the more casual fly fishing enthusiast. It offers fantastic reliability time and time again.
A lot of people may argue that it isn’t the most attractive fly fishing sling on the market, but that doesn’t prevent this from being a fantastic option that should be considered by first-time anglers and seasoned users alike.
PROS
- Simple and elegant design
- Water resistant nylon fabric
- Padded foam beneath the shoulder strap
- Magnetic anchor on the forcep sheath
- Ventilated mesh material
- Messenger strap to secure bag from swinging around
CONS
- Only one shoulder strap
Any product carrying the Orvis name comes with an expectation of quality, and this bag has an added and adjustable shoulder strap, along with good internal storage.
Supported by the fly-drying patch that’s also included, this truly is one of the most practical solutions on the market.
The 854 cubic inches of internal storage means its capable of storing the items you’ll need for a day on the water. The D-loops and other external attachment fixing points overcome any issues the smaller size could bring, allowing you to focus on fly fishing.
The waterproof features ensure that your goods stay protected and dry.
Without being aimed specifically at guides and gear-heavy anglers, the Orvis waterproof is ideal for those demographics. The larger bag is supported by a nicely padded strap too, meaning it’s super comfortable for anglers of all sizes.
The colors aren’t overly exciting but you certainly won’t lose the bag. Moreover, it can be easily positioned from back to side or front, allowing the quick changes to encourage the best fishing experience. And there’s still space for a water bottle and a wading jacket.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: 420 Denier nylon
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5.5 in
- Colors: 1
- Capacity: 15L
EXTRA FEATURES
- Water bottle pocket with elasticated security cord
- Messenger strap to secure bag from swinging around
- Tippet bar loops, compatible with Orvis Tippet Bar
- Internal hook-and-loop strip to attach Waterproof Pocket
Umpqua Steamboat Sling Pack
- Package length: 8.5 cm
- Package width: 32.7 cm
- Package height: 55.8 cm
This model if packed with a ton of features. The sling is adjustable to comfortably fit any size and frame.
It has a huge holding capacity, which is result of meticulous crafting from the manufacturer. A ton of different pockets are fit for every need you might think of.
There is so much space inside which is the result of the mesh holding areas inside and out of the pack.
PROS
- More than twice the storage of a standard pack
- Foam-padded, streamlined strap design for all-day comfort
- Tough, water-resistant 410-denier nylon construction
- Waterproof coating on the bottom
- Over-the-right-shoulder design
- Quick-release sternum strap for stability
CONS
- Few customers says that is made cheaply
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Material: 4K
- Dimensions: 12 MP
- Colors: Up to 33ft
- Capacity: 4.2 ounces
EXTRA FEATURES
- 4 zippered compartments
- Stretch water bottle holder
- Magnetic hemostat holder with clasp
- Accessory pinning strip
Table of Contents
Sling Pack FAQ
WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK INTO THE FISHING SLING PACK?
A good sling pack will be able to contain all of the essential items that you need for a day’s fishing. Here’s what that should include:
- A raincoat – a lightweight foldable rain jacket will provide you with protection from the elements if the weather changes for the worse.
- Sunscreen – even if here is cloud cover, you can still get burnt, so be sure to always have a powerful UV protection sunscreen with you.
- Insect repellant – bugs can make your day particularly unpleasant, so have a decent bug repellant on hand.
- First aid kit – a basic first aid kit will allow you to treat such things as cuts, scrapes, insect bites and headaches. Your kit should include bandages, alcohol swabs, gauze, medical tape, pain relief, antibiotic ointment, and antihistamines.
- Lures, flies, and tackle.
- Portable camera.
- Water bottle
- Lunch
- Clippers
- Forceps
- A spare car key
- A flashlight
- A plastic bag
- A thermometer
- Insect repellant
SLINGPACK VS BACKPACK VS FISHING VEST (WHAT SHOULD YOU PICK)
Not too long ago, the fly fishing vest was the go-to device to store all your fishing gear.
But now you have more options, including a slingpack or even a backpack.
So, which one should you pick?
Each has its pros and cons. Let’s check them out.
SLINGPACK PROS
- Large volume pockets
- Secure, non-velcro pockets
- Sits conveniently on your back, but can be swung around to the front
- Easy access to your fishing tools
- Completely adjustable to suit all types of bodies
- Has a water bottle holder
- Easy to take on and off even if you have many layers of clothing
- Not as hot and muggy as a vest
- Can be used as a hiking pack
SLINGPACK CONS
- More expensive than a vest
- May fatigue if overloaded
- Not as effective as an overnight bag
FLY FISHING VEST PROS
- Not as expensive as a backpack
- Will hang on both shoulders
- Everything you need is in front of you
- Wider range of styles and options
FLY FISHING CONS
- May be restrictive when you are fishing
- Difficult to put on over clothes
- Not as adjustable as a backpack
- Hotter than a backpack
- Not as versatile (can’t use for hiking)
- No dedicated water holder
- No included tools
From this comparison, you can see that it really is a matter of personal choice and preference as to whether you go for a fly fishing vest or a backpack.
If you are after versatility and will be doing other things such as hiking or hunting, then use a backpack.
A backpack will also enable you to keep the front of your body clear for unrestricted movement when you are in the water.
Conclusion
Every fly fishing enthusiast can appreciate the need to equip themselves with the right fishing equipment.
After all, we’ve all had the uncomfortable and unproductive experience of attempting to make a go of it with inferior gear.
While there are many important items on your checklist, few match the significance of a great fly fishing sling pack.
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